Verification of Unusual Sight Record
For Utah

Rec. # 2018-41


Common name:

Reddish Egret

Scientific name: Egretta rufescens
Date: 5/4/2018 & 5/5/2018
Time: 5:55 PM/ 7:50 AM
Length of time observed: Observed: 40 seconds/ 90 minutes
Number: 1
Age: Juvenile
Sex: unknown
Location: Sand Hollow Reservoir
County: Washington
Latilong: 37.101982 -113.373890
Elevation: 3000 feet
Distance to bird: 250 yards/ 30 yards
Optical equipment: 10x42 binoculars, 30-70x spotting scope, Nikon D850 with 420mm tele.
Weather: clear/ clear
Light Conditions: slightly hazy/ sunny
Description:        Size of bird: medium-large egret
(Description:)       Basic Shape: tall, slender heron
(Description:)  Overall Pattern: relatively dark gray overall
(Description:)            Bill Type: Long conical, fishing, bicolored (dark tip).
(Description:)                              
Field Marks and
Identifying Characteristics:
Medium to large heron with long slender neck. Gray overall with some reddish tones. Bill had black tip. Grayish legs.
(see photos)
Song or call & method of delivery: N/A
Behavior: Typical egret behavior- foraging along the shoreline. Occasional wing dance to get fish moving.
Habitat: Reservoir- beach.
Similar species and how
were they eliminated:
No dark crown and uniform neck color eliminated Great Blue Heron. Gray legs, size, facial coloration, gray belly- eliminated Little Blue and Tricolored Herons.
Previous experience with
this & similar species:
Have observed and photographed many Reddish Egrets in Southern CA, South Texas, and Mexico.
References consulted: Sibley
Description from: Notes taken at the time of the sighting
From photo(s) taken at the time of the sighting
Observer: Maurice DeMille
Observer's address: 260 N Main St, La Verkin, UT 84745
Observer's e-mail address: **
Other observers who independently identified this bird: Steve and Cindy Sommerfeld, Rick Fridell, Seth Topham, Kevin Wheeler.
Date prepared: 9/10/2018
Additional material: Photos
Additional comments: